SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TỈNH QUẢNG NINH TRƯỜNG THPT CHUYÊN HẠ LONG
Vui lòng cài đặt đề thi trước khi làm bài
Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 1 to 8.
The arrival of a major cruise liner in Hạ Long on January 1 marked a buoyant start to the 2026 cruise tourism season in Quảng Ninh Province, with thousands of overseas visitors stepping ashore on the first morning of the year. More than 3,000 international tourists aboard the Malta-flagged Celebrity Solstice docked at Hạ Long International Cruise Port, ushering in the New Year and opening the peak season for cruise tourism.
The Party Secretary of Quảng Ninh Province, together with leaders of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attended a welcoming ceremony and presented flowers to the visitors. The event created a cordial and welcoming environment to begin the year. Many tourists expressed admiration for the hospitality and said they were impressed by the province’s efforts to welcome international guests.
A visitor from Spain described his experience as a memorable start to 2026, highlighting the breathtaking scenery of Hạ Long Bay, fresh air, and favorable climatic conditions. He praised Vietnam as a beautiful country with friendly people and distinctive cuisine. Visitors from Mexico also appreciated the bay’s remarkable natural beauty and noted that their stay had left lasting memories. During their two-day visit, tourists were scheduled to explore key attractions, including the Quảng Ninh Museum, Hạ Long Bay, and Yên Đức rural village. Some groups planned to continue travelling to other northern provinces, such as Hà Nội and Ninh Bình.
The Celebrity Solstice sails on a regional itinerary linking Thailand, Phú Mỹ, Chân Mây, Hạ Long, and Hong Kong, accommodating passengers from Europe, the United States, and Asia. With a modern port system, abundant natural and cultural resources, and a strategic location on major maritime routes, Quảng Ninh is regarded as an appealing destination for both domestic and international cruise tourism. Cruise tourism is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting local culture, stimulating economic growth, and supporting sustainable tourism development in the province.
(Adapted from https://www.vietnamnews.vn)
The word “docked” in paragraph 1 mostly means ____________.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as something that impressed visitors?
The word “their” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.
Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
The word “appealing” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
Which paragraph mainly describes visitors’ feelings and impressions?
Which paragraph provides information about the travel route of the cruise ship?
Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 9 to 14.
Endangered Penguin Species
Penguins are the second-most threatened bird group worldwide due to climate change, overfishing, diseases, and habitat destruction. The (9) ____________ of penguins in the Southern Hemisphere is declining rapidly. African and Galápagos penguins are found north of the equator. Flightless penguins have evolved strong, dense bodies and waterproof feathers, allowing them (10) ____________ underwater and survive freezing waters. Their strong feet help them walk long distances on ice and swim (11) ____________.
Penguins (12) ____________ a significant effect on marine biodiversity. Nine out of 18 penguin species have been deemed endangered and vulnerable due to warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing, while African penguins’ populations have declined by 70%. Over 90% of Emperor Penguins could be wiped out by 2100, caused by the rapid melting of sea ice, (13) ____________ is classified as one of the most serious threats to their survival. Conservation measures are continuously (14) ____________ to protect these charismatic aquatic birds and their habitats.
(Adapted from https://earth.org/biodiversity)
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a cohesive and coherent exchange or text in each of the following questions from 15 to 19.
a. Over recent years, with advancements in technology, working online has become a reality for many people.
b. Companies also benefit from online work by accessing a wider talent pool, often hiring individuals from different cities or even countries.
c. The rise of virtual tools, like video conferencing and cloud storage, has made it possible for people to work from almost any location.
d. However, despite these advantages, some still miss the in-person collaboration that office spaces once provided.
e. This flexibility allows employees to maintain a better work-life balance, as they
no longer need to commute daily to an office.
a. Mia: That sounds exciting! Where do you plan on going?
b. Mia: Sounds amazing! I hope you all have an unforgettable trip.
c. Sam: We’re going to explore some national parks. We all love nature and hiking.
d. Mia: How are you planning to spend your summer break?
e. Sam: I’m planning to take a road trip with some friends.
a. Sarah: Hi, Tom. Not yet, but I’m planning to study this weekend to catch up on the topics.
b. Tom: Hi, Sarah! Have you started preparing for the math exam?
c. Tom: Maybe we can study together-it’ll help us stay focused and clear up any doubts.
Hi Ethan,
a. The topic is about renewable energy, but I’m struggling to find good sources of information.
b. I hope you’re doing well! I need some help with my science project, and I thought of you.
c. Since you did a similar project last year, I was wondering if you could recommend some books or websites
d. Let me know if you have time to chat – I’d really appreciate your advice!
e. Also, if you have any tips on how to present the project, that would be really helpful. Thanks in advance! Liam
a. Another outcome of climate change is the threat it poses to agriculture, as farmers struggle with unpredictable weather that disrupts harvests.
b. Its clearest consequence is the increase in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, which can now occur in any country.
c. This environmental shift highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices, requiring changes from both governments and individuals.
d. If ignored, these issues may severely impact future generations and biodiversity as a whole. e. Climate change, causing changes in weather patterns, is negatively affecting human life.
Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 20 to 29.
The Science Behind Digital Detox: Fact or Fashion?
In recent years, the concept of a “digital detox”- a period during which an individual refrains from using electronic devices - has surged in popularity. From luxury retreats that confiscate guests’ smartphones to mobile applications designed to limit screen time, the market for “unplugging” is expanding. While the idea of resetting the brain by disconnecting from technology is appealing to many chronically connected users, researchers are now questioning whether this practice provides genuine psychological benefits or is merely a passing health trend.
To understand the phenomenon, one must first define its scope. For some, a digital detox involves complete abstention from all digital tools for a week. For others, it is more targeted, such as silencing notifications or deleting a specific social media app that consumes excessive time. The primary motivations behind these efforts are usually to break compulsive habits, reclaim focus, and redirect energy toward more productive, real-world activities. Proponents of the practice claim that it reduces stress and improves mental clarity.
However, the growing demand for these interventions does not necessarily guarantee their effectiveness. Much of the support for digital detoxing comes from anecdotal evidence and online testimonials. While these positive reviews can be persuasive, they are often biased. For instance, an individual who invests a significant amount of money in an expensive tech-free retreat may feel psychologically compelled to report a positive outcome to justify the expense. This is a common bias in self-reported wellness data.
To determine if digital detoxing truly works, scientific scrutiny is essential. [I] Controlled experimental studies are needed to distinguish between the “placebo effect” of taking a vacation and the actual benefits of removing technology. [II] Early research suggests that while temporary disconnection can lower immediate anxiety, the effects often vanish once the individual returns to their normal routine. [III] Therefore, the long-term solution may not be a total detox, but rather the development of sustainable digital habits. [IV] As the debate continues, the focus is shifting from “quitting” technology to finding a healthier balance in an increasingly digital world.
(Adapted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/digital-detox#benefits)
The word “surged” in paragraph 1 mostly means ____________.
Which of the following is mentioned as one form of a digital detox?
According to paragraph 2, which of the following is mentioned as a primary motivation for engaging in a digital detox?
The word “abstention” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.
Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of paragraph 3?
The pronoun “they” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.
Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?
This suggests that the perceived benefits might be short-lived rather than transformative.
Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
What can be inferred about the future approach to digital wellness based on the passage?
Which of the following best summarises the passage?
Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 30 to 35.
HEALTHY LIVING: A GUIDE FOR TEENS
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for both physical and mental well-being during your high school years. (30) ____________, due to the heavy pressure of schoolwork and exams, many teenagers neglect their health, resulting (31) ____________ exhaustion and poor academic performance. Here are some simple steps to stay healthy and active:
• Make sure to drink enough water (32) ____________ day to keep your body hydrated.
• Consume (33) ____________ rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system.
• Avoid (34) ____________ consumption of fast food and sugary drinks which can lead to obesity.
• Exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep fit and stay in the (35) ____________ of health!
(Adapted from https://www.healthline.com)
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 36 to 40.
Choosing a career from many possible professional paths is clearly a complex process, and personal goals often determine the final decision. Some individuals engage in a thorough analysis, where information is gathered regarding various industries, (36) ____________. Other candidates with little desire to explore different possibilities (37) ____________, usually for convenience rather than to ensure long-term job satisfaction. This approach is often called convenient career choice.
Many job seekers also show a tendency to follow traditional paths, where career choices differ only slightly from what is commonly accepted. (38) ____________. Also, some graduates who have been influenced by their parents’ success may opt to follow in their footsteps without question.
Finally, some young professionals will make career moves on impulse. (39) ____________. It is, in fact, a trend that is becoming increasingly noticeable – to the concern of employers, who then face higher turnover rates and fewer opportunities to build a stable workforce in the long run. (40) ____________, where “adaptability” needs to be prioritized, and this can be driven by the rapidly changing gig economy in particular.
(Adapted from The Modern Workplace Review)
